strings attached
24
5.6
- idiom
- Informal
:
con condiciones
- I think they enjoyed the freedom to be themselves, expressing themselves with no strings attached.
- few strings attached
- come without strings attached
But perhaps the less obvious but more dangerous strings attached are the debts.
- But perhaps the less obvious but more dangerous strings attached are the debts.
- What if there was a way to move through your life where you were open to people believing in you, where it didn't come with strings attached?
- It's non messy, like there's no strings attached whatsoever.
- And Kaylee is like, no, I swear to you, no strings attached.
- And now I have somebody who I've like met maybe once and was excited because I took a picture with them being like, Hey, I'm here to help you like no strings attached.
Examples
-
When he proposed the deal, I was cautious because it came with strings attached.
-
We need to share with an honest intention to help, with no strings attached.
Blog text (20) -
We're offering this album completely free, no strings attached, and no required e-mail.
Blog text (26) -
However, it is nice to have some contact with no strings attached.
Blog text (30) -
The gift has no strings attached.
Fiction book (1998) -
Above studies indicate that 'no strings attached' volunteers are more motivated and satisfied.
Academic text (2015) -
When the bank and the fund lend money to debtor countries, the money comes with strings attached.
Blog text (4) -
This type of money assists people in escaping debt slavery as it does not come with interest strings attached.
-
She offered to help with the project, but I knew there were some strings attached.
-
The donation seemed generous, yet the charity quickly realized that it had strings attached.
Antonyms
How Conditional
- Informal
24
5.6
16
4.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The literal constituents 'string(s)' (a cord or link) and 'attach(ed)' (connected) suggest something physically tied or connected, so there is a visible metaphorical link to being bound by conditions. However, the specific pragmatic meaning 'accompanied by special conditions or obligations' is idiomatic and metaphorical (think 'puppet strings' controlling terms), so an average B1 learner who knows the words would likely not predict the exact sense without prior exposure.
Etymology
Strings attached may come from the image of a puppet with strings that make it move. One popular story says that when a gift or offer came with hidden strings, the giver could control what you did, so today strings attached means 'conditions' or 'obligations' on an offer.